Cairns is where the rainforest meets the coastal reef. The Great Barrier Reef in Cairns is the world’s largest coral reef system and also the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms approx. 2600 sq. km in size. It also visible from space through the naked eye. There are more than 1000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef and they include the Whitsundays group of islands which has some very popular resort getaways like the Hayman Island, Hamilton Island & some others like the Lizard Island and Dunk Island to name a few. Also accessible from the mainland of Australia are some very exotic beach destinations like Port Douglas, Palm Cove and the Sanctuary Cove.